Quick & Easy 10-Minute Egg Fried Rice

Name: Quick & Easy 10-Minute Egg Fried Rice
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups cold cooked rice; 2 large eggs; 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, and corn); 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 2 green onions, sliced; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Simple Daily Meals

As a busy person, I often find myself in need of quick and delicious meals, and egg fried rice is my go-to solution. It’s incredibly satisfying to whip up a meal in just 10 minutes, and I love how versatile this dish is. I can add any leftover veggies or protein to make it even heartier. With a few simple ingredients and some leftover rice, I have a flavorful meal that’s both comforting and fulfilling, perfect for any time of the day!

Created by

Ruby Lawson

Last updated on 2026-01-27T00:39:35.829Z

One evening, I was staring into my fridge, and my eyes landed on some leftover rice. I quickly decided to transform it into a meal that didn’t feel like a leftover. By adding a couple of eggs and mixing in whatever veggies I had, I created a delicious egg fried rice that was ready in just 10 minutes. It’s amazing how such simple ingredients can come together to create a delightful dish!

The trick to perfect fried rice is to ensure that the rice is cold and day-old if possible. This prevents the grains from becoming mushy and allows them to fry up beautifully. Adding a splash of soy sauce and a hint of sesame oil at the end elevates the flavors significantly, making this dish a satisfying and quick meal option.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Quick and satisfying meal ready in just 10 minutes
Versatile—customize with any leftover ingredients you have
Rich flavor from soy sauce and sesame oil

Cooking with Cold Rice

Using cold, cooked rice is crucial for achieving the best texture in your egg fried rice. Freshly cooked rice tends to be sticky and clumps together, making it challenging to stir-fry evenly. If you don't have leftover rice, spread freshly cooked rice on a baking sheet to cool it quickly and refrigerate for about 30 minutes. This helps the grains firm up, leading to a better bite when frying.

Ensure your rice is loosened and broken up before adding it to the pan, which prevents it from clumping during the cooking process. A spatula or wooden spoon works well for this task. The goal is to achieve individual grains that can absorb the flavors of the soy sauce and sesame oil without losing their structure.

Essential Cooking Techniques

When scrambling the eggs, use medium heat and a non-stick skillet or wok, which prevents sticking and promotes even cooking. Scramble them just until set; a slight undercooking is fine as they will finish cooking in the combined dish. Remove them as soon as they are no longer runny; overcooking can result in dry, rubbery eggs that detract from the dish's overall texture.

Stir-frying the vegetables quickly on high heat enhances their flavor and texture. I recommend keeping the vegetables moving in the pan to avoid burning and to promote even cooking. A good visual cue is to look for vibrant color changes in the vegetables, indicating they are tender yet still crisp.

Flavor Enhancements

The combination of soy sauce and sesame oil is key in imparting a rich, savory flavor to the fried rice. Try using low-sodium soy sauce if you're watching your salt intake, or go for tamari for a gluten-free option. Additionally, feel free to experiment with flavored soy sauces, like mushroom or garlic, for an extra kick.

For a bit of heat, consider adding a dash of chili oil or red pepper flakes to the soy sauce mixture. You can also mix in proteins like diced chicken, shrimp, or tofu, adjusting the cooking time accordingly to ensure everything is heated through. This turns your fried rice into a more substantial meal.

Ingredients

For the Fried Rice

2 cups cold cooked rice
2 large eggs
1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, and corn)
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
2 green onions, sliced
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients

Gather all your ingredients and ensure that the rice is cold and clumped together.

Scramble the Eggs

In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 teaspoon of oil over medium heat. Beat the eggs and scramble them until just set. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Stir-Fry the Veggies

In the same pan, add another teaspoon of oil and add the mixed vegetables. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until heated through.

Add the Rice

Add the cold rice to the pan with the veggies, breaking up any clumps with a spatula. Stir-fry for an additional 2 minutes.

Combine Everything

Return the scrambled eggs to the pan, pour in the soy sauce and sesame oil, and mix everything until evenly combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve

Garnish with sliced green onions and serve immediately!

Pro Tips

For the best texture, use day-old rice that has been stored in the fridge. Freshly cooked rice can become mushy when fried.

Serving Suggestions

Egg fried rice is incredibly versatile and pairs well with many sides or garnishes. A fresh cucumber salad adds a refreshing crunch that complements the richness of the rice. Alternatively, serve it alongside stir-fried proteins for a more balanced meal. Consider garnishing with cilantro or a squeeze of fresh lime for a vibrant touch.

For those who enjoy a bit of spice, serve with a side of sriracha or a homemade chili sauce. This not only elevates the dish but allows everyone to customize their spice levels to their liking.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you're making a larger batch of fried rice, it can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, use a non-stick skillet over medium heat to maintain the rice's texture. Add a splash of water to prevent the rice from drying out, stirring frequently until heated through.

For longer storage, consider freezing the egg fried rice in portions. Use freezer bags or airtight containers, and it will keep for about 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, ensuring a quick meal on busy days.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use fresh rice instead of leftover rice?

While it's possible, using cold, day-old rice yields the best texture and prevents the fried rice from becoming mushy.

→ What vegetables can I add?

You can add any vegetables you like! Bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas work great alongside peas and carrots.

→ Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely! Just omit the eggs and replace with tofu or additional vegetables for a vegetarian option.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Leftover fried rice should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave before serving.